The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, has invited applications from young members of the Indian diaspora for the 89th edition of the Know India Programme (KIP), a flagship initiative designed to connect overseas Indian youth with their ancestral roots while giving them an opportunity to experience contemporary India’s transformation firsthand.

The upcoming KIP, being organized for the “Scholars and Innovators” cohort, will be held in India from September 15 to 29, 2026. The programme is open to youth of Indian origin between 18 and 23 years of age, including Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

KIP seeks to familiarize young members of the global Indian diaspora with India’s rich cultural heritage, economic transformation, scientific and technological advancements, innovation and start-up ecosystem, and other important aspects of contemporary India as the country moves toward the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

The programme combines exposure to India’s heritage and contemporary development with opportunities for participants to interact with institutions, professionals and communities. It also aims to inspire young members of the diaspora to develop a deeper connection with India and participate in the country’s developmental journey.

Since its inception, the Ministry of External Affairs has organized 87 editions of the Know India Programme, bringing together 3,153 young members of the Indian diaspora from around the world. The 88th edition is currently underway, with 25 participants representing 23 countries.

The programme has emerged as an important platform for strengthening people-to-people connections between India and its global diaspora, particularly among younger generations who may have limited opportunities to experience India beyond family and cultural traditions.

For young Indian-origin scholars and innovators, the 89th edition is expected to provide an opportunity to gain firsthand insights into India’s rapidly evolving economy, research and innovation landscape, entrepreneurship, technology and cultural diversity.

The Consulate General of India in Chicago has invited eligible applicants to participate in the programme. Interested candidates should submit a scanned copy of the duly completed application form along with the required documents by email to pic.chicago@mea.gov.in.

The deadline for applications through the Consulate General of India, Chicago, is August 27, 2026.

The initiative is particularly significant as India seeks to engage its younger diaspora in the country’s long-term development vision and build stronger connections between the next generation of global Indians and their ancestral homeland.